Life as a truck driver allows you to explore the open road. It offers a sense of freedom and independence that few other careers provide. However, those who are interested in taking their love for trucking a bit further should consider becoming an owner-operator. At C&M Transport, we are here to help you see some owner-operator benefits that can make this career move even more alluring.
What Is an Owner-Operator?
Truck owner-operators are those who act as both an employer and a driver. You can essentially run your own business with yourself as an employee. In some cases, you’d even act as a driver for another employer. This versatility helps you gain even more freedom and maximize your profits.
Starting an owner-operator business is great for those who have an entrepreneurial drive and are willing to take on additional responsibilities. Some of the tasks you’ll need to take on that standard truck drivers won’t are:
- Maintaining positive relationships with current customers
- Seeking out new customers
- Signing contracts
- Purchasing or leasing a truck
- Maintaining your rig and equipment
- Executing jobs with trucking companies
- Handling insurance paperwork
- Creating marketing strategies
Owner-operators, like other business owners, have a lot on their plates. You’ll also need a commercial driver’s license (CDL), requiring you to pass a test on your skills and your knowledge of the job. In some cases, you may even need to hire staff to help out with day-to-day operations.
What Are Some Owner-Operator Benefits?
There are many advantages that come along with becoming a truck owner-operator, including:
Freedom
Working for yourself allows the freedom to work with who you want, work when you want, and work as much as you want. You’ll be the one choosing your partners and your contracts, allowing you to manage your business your way. This means that you can create a business plan that gives you more time with your family, something that many company truck drivers miss out on. Conversely, you can take on even more jobs to amass a long list of clientele that will have you raking in the profits.
Increased Pay
Today’s company drivers make a good wage, but owner-operators have the perk of picking their contracts and hours. Because of this, they’re able to build up their businesses as they see fit. This helps you create a financial asset that can increase in value until you’re ready to sell it or retire.
Choosing Your Own Equipment
After working long enough in the industry, you’ll find you like some rigs and equipment better than others. If you work as a company driver, you’ll have no say in what products you brands you use, but owner-operators have free reign to go with their favorites.
Building Your Name
There’s a sense of pride in building your own business. Owner-operators get to choose the customers they work with and can build strong relationships over time. If you’re a reliable and trustworthy company, your clientele will likely spread the word, making it easier for you to get more business.
Why Choose C&M Transport?
With a solid reputation, C&M Transport can help you excel in your career. Whether you want to enjoy the owner-operator benefits or join a successful team as a company driver, you’ll get satisfaction from your work every day you’re on the road. Because we started as truck drivers ourselves, you know what the lifestyle entails and strive to make your life easier, making us one of the best trucking companies to work for. We are headquartered in Cleveland, OH, but have 17 locations across the country.
C&M Transport even provides diesel fuel maintenance permit fees and other expenses and offers a wide range of different job opportunities – from long-haul drivers to local delivery milk run drivers. Our dedication to thorough planning helps reduce deadhead miles as well, so you’re not wasting time on the road. Contact us today or apply now if you’re interested in this exciting career.